Tributes paid to ‘devoted husband and father’ who died in M6 collision
Cliff Tamou, a popular and respected figure in the area's community rugby league scene, died last week. Police were called at 9.55pm last Thursday, February, to reports of a collision involving a Toyota Avensis and a white MAN Truck HGV on the M6 between junctions 15 and 16 southbound. The driver of the HGV, 58-year-old Cliff Tamou, who was out of the HGV as it had broken down, died at the scene.
His family are being supported by specialist officers. The driver of the Toyota, a 22-year-old man from Dudley, was taken to hospital with leg and facial injuries. His injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening, police said.
He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. In tribute, Cliff's family said: "Cliff Tamou, 58, who moved to the UK over 30 years ago from New Zealand and settled in the Wigan area, was a devoted husband, father to six children and five grandchildren. "He was a lorry driver for many years and loved playing, refereeing and coaching rugby.
"The family have asked for their privacy to be respected in this very sad time." 
"He was a true stalwart of the Community Game in the north west, immensely respected by players, coaches, spectators and his fellow officials. "We extend our condolences to Cliff's family and the wider RL community who were lucky enough to have known him RIP." Police say Cliff's family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers at this difficult time.
Officers are keen to speak to anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area or those with any information which could help collision investigators.
- Call police on 101, quoting incident 783 of February 27, or message police using Live Chat on our website.
You can also get in touch with collision investigators directly by emailing [email protected]